Philippians 4

First, I want to say sorry for getting this up SOOOO late! I thought that I had put it up awhile ago, and just now realized that I didn't! 

"Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy-meditate on these things." 

The world is not filled with these things. It is harder to find something true, noble, just, pure, lovely, of good report, virtuous and praiseworthy in this world than you probably realize. I have heard this verse SO MANY times... it is one of those verses I memorized  and knew the words, but never really focused on what those words were saying. 

This verse is something that, just this past year, has really come alive to me. It is something that has helped me make the hard decisions about what I am watching, reading, listening to, and taking part of. We can take this verse and apply it to every aspect of our lives. Do the things we watch line up with this verse? How about the music we listen to? The books we read? The words we say? The things we do? The relationships that we have? The conversations we have with our friends? 

This verse is something we MUST be living out. If we live with these things as standards we will stand out. We will be a light...because the world does not think this way. The world doesn't care about truth, or justice, purity, or things that are lovely. It doesn't care about things of good report or of virtue or if it is praiseworthy. The world is willing to sacrifice all of these things in its search for fulfillment. 

Each and every aspect of this verse is extremely important. The one thing I want to touch on is the "Whatever things are pure." 

Purity is something our society and culture lacks. When you look at the world, it is almost impossible to find purity. When the world looks at something pure, they almost look at it in disgust. Purity is not prized by the world. But, it is something we should value greatly. 

So, what exactly is purity? For the longest time, I always only thought of it as remaining pure in relationships. But, in the last year or two, the concept of purity has changed for me. 

Purity is much bigger than just a physical thing. Purity has to do with your mind and your heart FIRST! 

Purity means guarding your heart and your mind against the things of the world. Jesus, of course, is the greatest example of purity that we can have. Jesus lived in the world. He walked where the worst of people walked. He talked and built relationships with the lowliest of people. He loved them in a powerful way. Yet, Jesus did not take part in the world's actions. 

Purity is something that I have seen the church beginning to take more and more lightly. 

It is not held in a high enough standard any more. Believers think that we have to be able to relate to the world to reach it. This simply isn't true. 

The picture that I always think of when I think of purity is a mud puddle. I know, its kinda strange, but just hang with me for a minute. You are walking down the sidewalk and there is a puddle in the road. You have the option of staying dry and clean on the sidewalk or jumping in the puddle and becoming wet and dirty. Well, just then a car drives by and splashes you with the mud. Although you were on the sidewalk, you still got wet and dirty. 

This puddle represents things that are not pure, things of the world. 

Think of it this way. There is a  movie playing that a bunch of people you know are going to go see. They ask if you want to watch it. You know it has a ton of foul language and graphic images. You then have a choice. Do you go see it or not? Say you choose to not go see it. You choose to avoid the puddle. Well, someone you are talking to happens to use a few cuss words. That is an example of the car driving by and splashing you. You didn't dive into what the world had to offer, but you got a little of the world on you. 

Even if you were to just stick one toe into the puddle, you still end up dirty. Compromising is dangerous. Sticking a toe in can lead to your whole foot. Once that foot is in it leads to two feet. Next thing you know and you are diving in. Of course, I know that this does not happen to everyone. And, I understand that different people have different convictions and standards. It doesn't mean that I won't talk to you just because I know that you watch movies that have a few cuss words in them. 

I get that. I am just saying that you have to be careful...in ALL aspects of life. You have to be serious and intentional about your relationship with God.

Remember that Jesus was in the world...not of it. He did not believe that He had to drink so that those who drank could relate to Him. 

 If you have a white glove and you stick it into a mud puddle, what does it do? It makes the glove dirty...it does not make the puddle glove-y. It doesn't work that way. 

We cannot and should not partake in sin so that we can reach the world. What kinda sense does that make? 

When you are trying to change something or someone, you don't become like them in order to change them. You stand out. You show them what being different is like. 

So, in a world that is filled with impurities and does not value purity, be the difference. Be the one who is pure, and show the world what purity looks like. 

Philippians 3 - Running the Race

If any of you have ever run in a race, then you know there is much more to it than just the race. You have to prepare, practice, push yourself to be better and better. You can't just look at someone who is a somewhat decent runner and try to be just a little bit better than him. Good runners don't focus on everyone else. They don't compare themselves to each other. No, they focus on how they can make themselves better. They focus on the future.... their goals. Then, they focus on what they can do to attain their goals. How can they get better? How can they perform well? They look at the BEST runner and then work so that they can surpass them. 

This is the idea that Paul wants to convey in Philippians 3. As Christians, we are to be continually focused on the future. We have an amazing future ahead of us. So, we need to be running the race on earth with our eyes focused on the finish - our future in heaven. 

Paul gives us a great example of being focused on the future in every part of life. Paul talks about the past, the present, and the future. He shows how he used to live in the flesh...he persecuted Christians and "followed" the law. Yet, Christ completely changed his life. Since then, all of his worldly gains he counted as loss. Paul's focus changed. His focus shifted to being on his future with Christ. 

This is how we are to live our lives. We are to "press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus." We are not supposed to be focused on ourselves or on others. We need to be focused on Christ. We should not compare ourselves with others. (According to Warren Wiersbe) "Many Christians are self-satisfied because they compare their 'running' with that of other Christians, usually those who are not making much progress. Had Paul compared himself with others, he would have been tempted to be proud and perhaps to let up a bit. After all, there were not too many believers in Paul's day who had experienced all that he had. But Paul did not compare himself with others; he compared himself with himself and with Jesus Christ." Instead of aligning himself with others, he aligned himself with Christ. He was then able to see what he lacked and what he needed to improve or to change. 

Most importantly, Paul did not follow the ways of the world. He knew that this world was not his home. Paul understood that he was a "citizen" of heaven. He says in verse 20 that "our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, who will transform our lowly body that it may be conformed to His glorious body, according to the working by which He is able even to subdue all things to Himself." Knowing that we our citizens of heaven should affect the way we live our day to day lives. We should be EAGERLY waiting for our Savior. We should be waiting, but we should be a light while we are waiting. 

Philippians 4 Homework

1. What kinds of things do you worry about? Has worrying ever done anything good for you?



2. What is the first thing you should do when you start to worry?




3. In verse 6, it says: "Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God..." What does supplication mean?




4. How can we focus on what is pure, lovely, and of good report in a world filled with sin and immorality?




5. What is the difference between complacency and contentment?





6. What verses stood out to you this week? Why?

Philippians 2 - A Submissive Mind

This chapter really focuses on having a mind or attitude like Christ's. We are to have a submissive mind.

So, what does submissive mean?

Well, submissive or submit is often a concept that is thrown into negative light. In fact, the definition for submissive is an excellent example of this negative view on submission. "Ready to conform to the authority or will of others; meekly obedient or passive."

This shows what the world sees submission as. So often, submission is seen as a sign of weakness. BUT, it isn't. In fact, we are called to submit. In Philippians 2, Paul conveys that, as believers, we should have a submissive mind or attitude. He does not mean that we just bow down to everyone and let people walk all over us. No, he means that we should follow the example of Christ and think of others before ourselves. 

Have you ever heard of the JOY acronym? It stands for Jesus, others, you. Last week, we looked at the reasons for having Joy. All of them had to do with focusing on Jesus. Paul reminded us that JESUS is not finished with us yet, that JESUS uses our situations for the spreading of the gospel, and that, if we focus on living for JESUS, then nothing can steal our joy. 

This week, in chapter 2, Paul shifts the focus to others. He tells the believers several different things that they should be doing, and gives examples. 

One of the people he uses as an example is Jesus. 

1. First, Jesus demonstrates an attitude that is focused on others, not on Himself. Philippians 2:5-6 says, "Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God." In this verse, mind means attitude. Jesus displayed a selfless mind or attitude. Jesus is God. He does not need anything from us or anyone else. He receives all the praise and glory, He reigns over the universe. Yet, Jesus did not consider being "equal with God" as something that He should selfishly hold on to. His attitude was that He must use the privileges and gifts He had for others. 

2. Next, Jesus is a picture of serving. In verse 7, it says, "but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men." Jesus not only THOUGHT of others, but He also BECAME a servant to others. The word "form" in this verse means "an outward expression of an inward nature." Jesus took on the FORM of a bondservant. He took on an outward expression of His inward nature, to serve. Jesus served others. Others did not serve Him. 

3. Jesus is also an example of sacrifice. Philippians 2:8 says, "And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross." Jesus sacrificed His will, His desires, and ultimately His life. He humbled Himself and became obedient. Guys, Jesus did not want to die on the cross. Crucifixion was an awful, brutal way to die. It was often used for some of the worst criminals. It took several days for the criminal to die, usually by exhaustion and asphyxiation. It was not a quick and easy way to die. It was long, painful, and gruesome. Jesus prayed that if there was any other way, to let Him die that way. But, he ultimately sacrificed His will and desires to obey the will of God. He then sacrificed His life for us. Jesus gave up everything for us. He gave up His LIFE for us. This is the ultimate picture of a selfless attitude. Even though He did not WANT to or FEEL like dying for us, He did it because it was the Father's will and the only way. 

4. Finally, Jesus demonstrates an attitude of glorifying God. Philippians 2:9-11 says, "Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the Name which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth, and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father." The purpose of Jesus' humiliation and exaltation was to glorify God. We are to live so that we can glorify God. 

If we follow Jesus' example and live with a submissive mind, then we must expect sacrifice and service. We must expect to sacrifice our will and desires in order to best serve others. But, in the end, it will lead to glory. We can draw joy from having a submissive mind, because we can know that we are glorifying God. 

Application : 

What are some practical ways that we can have a mind or attitude focused on others?

How can we become a servant like Jesus?

In what ways can we sacrifice, so that we can serve others?

How can we glorify Jesus?

Philippians 3 Homework

• Paul described true Christians as ones who boast (your Bible might say rejoice) in Jesus Christ. What does that mean and how do such people differ from merely religious people?

• Why does the true Christian not put confidence in the flesh?

• "He is no fool to give what he cannot keep to gain that which he cannot lose." What does this mean to you?

• Why did things behind, around, and before Paul not upset him or rob him of his joy?

• What happens when Christians compare their "running" with that of other Christians?

• Why is it necessary for the Christian runner to obey the rules for the "race"? Where do these rules come from and where can we find them?

• How does a Christian's "dual citizenship" affect their life?

• The "true believer crucifies the flesh." What does this mean in practical, everyday terms?

• How is our future hope of Jesus returning a powerful motive for dedicated living and service today?

Philippians 2 Homework

• ·      As with all churches, the church of Philippi had some issues that needed to be addressed and resolved. Paul knew that the only way to resolve these problems was not through making more rules, but through becoming more like Christ.
• ·      For each of the verses listed below, explain what aspect of Christ Paul was encouraging the believers to become like.

o   Philippians 2:3-6

o   Philippians 2:7

o   Philippians 2:8

o   Philippians 2:9-11

o   How can we adopt these attitudes so that we have a mind like Christ?

• ·      In this day and age, more and more people have begun to demand their rights. They believe that they are entitled to certain things and that they deserve to have them.

o   How does this attitude demonstrate selfishness?

o   How does selfishness rob us of our joy?

o   What does Jesus’ life teach us about demanding our rights?

• ·      How do you think Philippians 2:14-15 contribute to the believer’s joy?

• ·      How can we apply these things to our lives?

• ·      What verse(s) stood out to you this week? Why?

Philippians 1

Last week, I gave you guys some questions that dealt mainly with joy. What do you think joy means?

So often, the world refers to joy as an interchangeable term with happiness. But, it really isn't. Dictionary.com gives this definition for joy: "the emotion of great delight or happiness caused by something exceptionally good or satisfying." This definition is true. Yet, according to the world, joy can easily come and go; it is dependent on what is going on around us. 

However, as Christians, our joy is not and should not be dependent on what is going on around us. 

Where does our joy come from?

Our joy comes from God. Our joy does not come from what the world can offer. Our joy does come from something exceptionally good and satisfying. It just is NOT something that comes from the world. 

In Philippians 1, Paul demonstrates the kind of joy that we should have. Not only does he give us an excellent example of being joyful, but he also gives us reasons for being joyful. 

1. One of the reasons he gives us is found in verse 6. This is a verse that you all have probably heard at one time or another. It says: "being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ." There are days when I think "I'm a mess." There are days when I don't understand what is going on. I feel confused. I question what God is doing. The problem is, I cannot see the big picture. We can't see the big picture. But, as Paul said, we are to be confident in the work God is doing. He is not going to begin working on us and shaping us into who He desires us to be and then stop halfway through. He is not going to get to a point where He just says "You know what, I'm kind tired of working on Mikaela...I think I will just leave here right here as a half lump of clay and half pot." NO! God is going to complete a GOOD work in you. We can take comfort in this and be joyful in it. Knowing that God is not finished with me yet gives me joy because it gives me hope!

2. If there is one thing I have learned as a Christian, and especially as a Pastor's kid, it is that someone is always watching you. Someone always sees what you are doing, saying, wearing, watching, how you are reacting, etc. I have noticed that non-Christians are always watching for Christians to mess up. In fact, Paul even experienced this. People were watching him, waiting for him to stumble. Christians were even watching him. He says that some were preaching Christ for selfish ambitions. They were trying to make things more difficult for him. But, Paul still rejoiced because, whatever the motivation, the gospel was still being spread. However, there were some other people who were watching Paul as well. The prison guards were watching Paul. They probably expected him to be angry, depressed, and frustrated. I would be if I had been wrongfully put into prison. Yet, that is not the way Paul reacted to his situation. Paul was joyful in the midst of this trial. And, the guards noticed this. Paul's situation served as a way to spread the gospel because of his attitude. Paul's joyful attitude caused people to pay attention to him. What if he had not been joyful in the middle of his imprisonment? What do you think having the joy in prison would have looked like?

3. Finally, we come to what drove Paul's joy. Philippians 1:21 is something that we should remember always. It says, "For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain." Paul's greatest desire was to be with Jesus, but he knew that being where God desired was best. At that point in his life, God wanted Paul to be on the earth in a prison cell. That sometimes sounds harsh, but those prison guards may have never known about Jesus if Paul had not been there and had not had a joyful attitude about his situation. Guys, our purpose on this earth as Christians is to live for Christ. To live so that we are drawing others nearer to Him. If we live with this verse as our attitude NOTHING can steal our joy. NOTHING! Even if we are late to work, our hair looks awful, and we are struggling in school. Even if we are laying in a hospital bed because of a severe illness, even if we get in a car accident and total our car, even if we don't understand what is going on in life. Even then, in the midst of the strongest storm we have ever been in, we can have joy. Because our reason for being alive is to be a reflection of Christ. To share the gospel and bring people to Christ. And, if God decided to call us home it would be our gain. This is as bad as it gets for us. We have a hope and a future that is far greater than we can ever imagine, and that is why we can have joy in the valley and on the mountaintop. 

The last thing I want to touch on is what Paul says in verses 27-30. "Only let your conduct be worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or am absent, I may hear of your affair, that you stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel, and not in any way terrified by your adversaries, which is to them a proof of perdition (which means a state of final spiritual ruin), but to you of salvation, and that from God. For to you it has been GRANTED on behalf of Christ, not only to believe in Him, but also to suffer for His sake, having the same conflict which you saw in me and now hear is in me." 

How do you think we can apply these verses to our lives? 

This period of your lives is probably one of the most difficult that you will face. But, you also have amazing opportunities. Whether it is in school, at work, at home, or just walking through Wal-Mart, you guys have the opportunity to be a light to those around you. This is what Paul was trying convey. He was encouraging the believers to think about their actions. He wanted them to remember to conduct themselves according to the gospel of Christ because someone is always watching. He wanted to hear from others about how they were doing. He encouraged them to stand together in one spirit and one mind, and to work together for the furtherance of the gospel. He then says that is has been GRANTED to Christians to not only believe in Christ, but to also suffer for His sake. It is a privilege for us to be able to believe in Christ and to be able to suffer for Him.